Judaism may be a closed religion, but certain cultural phenomena have allowed everyone to feel like they’re a part of the tribe—none more so than Curb Your Enthusiasm, the chronicles of a fictionalized Larry David. “There’s very specific things within cultural Judaism that everyone can get on board with,” Noah Rinsky, one half of the brand Old Jewish Men, says. Among Rinsky’s list: black and white cookies, complaining, and, of course, Curb Your Enthusiasm. Susan Korn, designer of the downtown jewelry and accessories brand Susan Alexandra, agrees. “There’s an every-man quality about it that is so understood en masse, but seeing yourself and your culture onscreen is a special feeling,” she says.
For Jewish designers, having their work featured on Curb—which premiered in 2000 and is now airing its 12th and final season—is like being anointed God’s chosen people all over again. If God was a curmudgeonly, 76-year-old man with wire-rimmed glasses, that is.
A recent episode, “Vertical Hop, Horizontal Tug,” featured pieces by several Jewish designers: Susan Alexandra’s fruit compote necklace, earrings, and fruit salad headband; Rachel Antonoff’s Birdie pants; Old Jewish Men’s Sandler shorts; and Rebecca Hessel Cohen of LoveShackFancy’s Keoni cardigan. It’s an honor that’s not lost on any them. “It was one of the thrills of a lifetime to be featured on the show,” Korn says. “It’s beyond humbling and the ultimate validation,” Rinsky adds. “For what this lifestyle brand is, it’s the ultimate stamp of approval.”
